Concerned with the pandemic, derecho response and media bashing

The past few months I resisted writing a community letter to express some concerns. But it's time to speak up.

First, Gov. Kim Reynolds inability to responsibly deal with the pandemic. She danced with a lot of partners trying to get it right. Vague transparency exists to this day at the Statehouse.

Next was my disappointment at the response after a derecho devastated Eastern Iowa. The reaction was pathetic at every level. I thought after the flood of 2008 we had learned about disaster management.

One final thought, I could not believe the caustic comments personally directed at Gazette columnists and journalists this fall and winter. A few letter writers suggested the journalists move out of state. That would be a huge brain drain for Iowa. Media and press should always be honest and truthful. When we cease to protect a free press we cease to hear honesty. A writer at The Gazette repeatedly got undeserved criticism for speaking the truth. I miss that writer. I admire those who speak truth to power. I can handle the truth. 'If liberty means anything at all, it is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” George Orwell.

Linda Seger

Cedar Rapids